590 



NOTES ON BRAZIL. 



any other branch, carried on to any of the Colonies, whether we con- 

 sider the quantity of tonnage employed, or the outward and return cargoes, 

 or the sum which the Treasury receives in the form of Taxes. Africa 

 takes from Brazil, not only Dry Goods, as might be expected, but a great 

 quantity of Produce, such as Sugar, Rum, Tobacco, and even the simple 

 articles of Rice and Farinha. Nothing, in my opinion, can more 

 strongly point out the wretched state of these Colonies, than the circum- 

 stance that, though the outward-bound vessels carry over provisions for 

 their whole voyage, though the Slaves, as soon as received on board, are 

 supplied chiefly with the produce of Brazil, and though Africa is daily 

 sending off a great number of its inhabitants, yet the country cannot 

 furnish with provisions those who are left. It is not, indeed, that the 

 soil of Angola, Benguela, and Congo is unfruitful ; but the people are 

 listless, ignorant, and without enterprise. 



These Colonies derive their value chiefly from the trade in Slaves 

 which is carried on to them, and through which Brazil is furnished with 

 labourers. The number brought over by each vessel is from two to four 

 hundred, and the total may amount annually to about ten thousand, 

 brought into Rio alone, consisting chiefly of males from seven to thirty 

 years of age ; on the average, certainly not more than from twelve to 

 fifteen. The vessels may be calculated to make two trips a year to the 

 Western Coast of Africa, and to employ a capital of about half a million 

 Sterling. The trade to Mozambique requires a larger sum in proportion 

 to the number of vessels employed, and sends to Rio annually about two 

 thousand human beings. The Capital which is employed is, for the 

 most part, bona fide Brazilian, although some part of it may be raised by 

 direct Credits, either of goods or money, and the Discounting of Bills 

 with Foreigners. There has not been, I believe, for several years past, 

 any British property directly invested in it ; its indirect application neither 

 laws nor treaties can prevent. 



For the regulation of this trade, certainly as a trade detestable in 

 the highest degree, some excellent and humane Laws have occasionally 

 been promulgated, particularly at the close of 1813. It was afterwards 



